Meat Lovers Casserole Bake
A hearty and flavorful casserole packed with layers of pasta, beef, pepperoni, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 225 g rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 450 g ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 138 g pepperoni slices Can substitute with other cured meats like sausage or ham.
- 226 g mozzarella cheese, shredded Divided, use some in the mixture and some for topping.
- 113 g mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 680 g marinara sauce
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Set oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly coat a 23×33 cm baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef has browned and is no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and drain excess fat. Add cooked rotini, pepperoni slices, 113 g of mozzarella cheese, mild cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the beef. Stir thoroughly to incorporate.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Distribute the remaining 113 g of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Allow to rest for several minutes prior to serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Serve with a crisp side salad or garlic bread to soak up the sauce. To store leftovers, cover the casserole tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze before baking for up to three months.